7 of the Merriest UK Christmas Markets to Visit

A visit to a good Christmas Market is sure to get you in the Christmassy mood, as you wander around wrapped up warmly, trying delicious food & drink, enjoying Christmas entertainment and possibly some ice-skating or roasted chestnuts! Here are 7 of the Merriest UK Christmas Markets to Visit:

Edinburgh Christmas Market

18th November 2016 – 7th January 2017

For the past 21 years in the heart of Edinburgh, the popular Edinburgh Christmas Market has been held in its picturesque setting below the Mound. The Christmas Market stretches from the Mound, along East Princes Street Gardens Terrace and around the Scott Monument.

Bath Christmas Market

24th November – 11th December 2016

Each year the centre of Bath is transformed into a magical Christmas shopper’s paradise, as 170 chalets packed full of gorgeous Christmas gifts line the streets surrounding the Roman Baths and Bath Abbey.

Bath Christmas Market is complemented by a full programme of entertainment including carol singers, children’s entertainers and musicians that all add to the fantastic festive ambience.

Winchester Christmas Market

18th November – 20th December 2016

The Winchester Christmas Market is recognised as one of the best in Europe, renowned for its unique location, high quality exhibitors and bustling atmosphere. This year it celebrates it’s 10th Anniversary. Wonderful Christmas gifts, decorations and festive foods can be found in abundance.

The Christmas Market is situated at the beautiful Winchester Cathedral where you can enjoy many Christmas services as well as an ice rink.

Lincoln Christmas Market

The traditional Lincoln Christmas Market takes place 3rd – 6th December 2015, with cultural entertainment and over 250 stalls nestled with in the medieval square and surrounding area.

Take a trip back through time and stroll along the cobbles the cultural quarter of the city. The medieval square between the impressive Norman castle and magnificent gothic cathedral is the perfect backdrop for the Christmas Market.

St Albans Christmas Market

24th November – 18th December 2016

St Albans knows a thing or two about markets, having one of the oldest regular markets in the UK, dating back to the 9th century. The St Albans Christmas Market, with 60 stalls, takes place in and around the beautiful Vintry Garden – a walled garden adjacent to the magnificent 11th-century St Albans Cathedral.

Entertainers, twinkly lights and plenty of Christmas cheer add to the festive atmosphere – and don’t miss Carols on the Hour, on the hour, every hour from 11.00 to 16.00 on the last Saturday before Christmas in St Albans Cathedral.

Birmingham Christmas Market

17th November – 29th December 2016

Birmingham’s Frankfurt Christmas Market and Craft Market can boast being one of the largest outdoor Christmas Markets with over 180 stalls. The Market is centred in Victoria Square in front of the Council House and stretches down to the Rotunda while The Craft Market is in Chamberlain Square, in front of Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and continues through to Centenary Square, home to the Library of Birmingham.

There is also an outdoor ice skating rink in front of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre on Broad Street from November 16th until January 5th 2016.

York Christmas Market

17th November – 23rd December 2016

York’s Christmas Market called the St Nicholas Market gives a real sense of stepping into a scene from a Dickens tale with bustling Victorian market stalls selling everything from local produce to traditional gifts and crafts, all accompanied by the smell of roasting chestnuts and the sound of carol singers.

For unique presents from a different era head to the Medieval Market at Barley Hall where you can also try a pint of traditional ale or a glass of mulled wine at the Medieval bar.

Over to you now. Have you visited any of these markets? Tell us about it in the comments below.